Ranking of the best types of fitness for 2024

A person who is in good health, agile, strong and flexible has always been considered successful. The beauty of the body, proper physical development, high vitality, the ability to overcome a certain power load - these are the qualities that are desirable for all people. Fitness classes will help you get them.

This type of physical activity originated in the United States in the 70s of the last century. Certain observations were made on the physical capabilities of young people. The conclusions showed that a sedentary lifestyle leads to a weakening of health, obesity, the development of diseases of the musculoskeletal system, respiratory and digestive organs.

In today's world, fitness has become more than just physical exercise. This is a way of life that includes physical activity, a certain diet, a way of thinking.

There are various destinations designed for both women and men. There are exercises for children and the elderly.

TOP 10 best types of fitness

According to the desired result, classes have been developed in various directions:

• for weight loss;
• to raise vitality;
• to build muscle mass;
• to improve the figure;
• to develop flexibility, etc.

In this article, you can find out what types of activities exist and determine the one that suits best, what to look for when choosing a club, studio or gym.

10th place: Bodyflex

These are breathing exercises performed using the diaphragm. A deep, slow inhalation, holding and a sharp exhalation, completely displacing air from the lungs, helps to intensively saturate all tissues of the body with oxygen. These actions alternate with stretching.

Bodyflex includes three types of exercises:

• isometric: one muscle group;
• isotonic: several groups are stretched at the same time;
• stretching: give relaxation after exercise, development of elasticity.

This type of fitness is designed for overweight, sedentary women.

• improving muscle tone;
• dumping extra pounds;
• improvement of the whole body;
• when losing weight, the skin does not stretch;
• the elasticity of the ligaments increases;
• you can practice at home.

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9th place: CrossFit

Conceived and developed by American Greg Glassman. The bottom line is to alternate exercises with different functional movements, which are performed at a very intense pace. The whole program is aimed at developing endurance and strength, reaction speed.

We use simulators and tools taken from different sports: barbells, dumbbells, ropes, rowing stands, jump ropes, etc.

A session in a crossfit gym involves a warm-up, then learning new movements. Next comes the main "workout of the day", the most intense part. At the end of the lesson, work on mistakes and presentation of the results achieved can be carried out in order to develop a competitive spirit in a group of athletes.

• readiness for any life situations;
• increased strength and endurance;
• a set of muscle mass.

• it is advisable to conduct training with an instructor;
• basic physical training is required.

8th place: Stretching

These are exercises that involve stretching muscles, joints and ligaments. Stretching can be combined with other types of fitness.

Suitable for maintaining the body for absolutely everyone: children, adults and the elderly.

• development of flexibility;
• the formation of correct posture;
• relieving muscle tension;
• improving vitality;
• strengthening the heart, respiratory system;
• suitable even for aged people.

• few power loads, will not allow you to lose weight;
• preferably combined with other exercises.

7th place: Fitness yoga

A modern semblance of true classical yoga. Heals the body, helps to find peace of mind and good mood.

Currently, there are three main modifications:

• Ashtanga yoga - a certain sequence of asanas with ligaments, requires special physical preparation;
• power yoga - special exercises to increase muscle, flexibility and endurance,
• Bikram yoga or "hot yoga" - asanas are performed in a room with an air temperature of about 40 degrees and a humidity of at least 40 percent. A powerful tool for losing weight.

• improvement of the body;
• peace of mind;
• improving the flexibility of joints and ligaments;
• reduction of body fat;
• prevention of chronic diseases;
• strong, healthy body.

• certain physical training is required;
• classes are conducted with an instructor;
• "Hot yoga" is not recommended for people with weak hearts and lungs.

6th place: Pilates

This type of fitness does not require any prior preparation. All movements are performed at a slow pace. At the same time, it is necessary to monitor breathing, which trains attention, enhances the mental activity of the brain.

Pilates is suitable for any person, regardless of age and physique. It is also useful for pregnant women, prepares for childbirth and will not harm the baby.

Exercise is designed to strengthen the muscles in your back and abdomen, which will help you get rid of excess fat in those areas.

• can be used for rehabilitation after injuries;
• good posture, a toned stomach and strong buttocks;
• prevention of joint diseases;
• lack of physical overload;
• improving the figure and maintaining femininity;
• the safest form of fitness.

• for classes you need a special mat and elastic tape;
• weight loss is rather slow.

5th place: Callanetics

This is the name of the system of static exercises, during which all muscle groups are alternately tense and relaxed at the same time. This technique allows you to quickly achieve the desired effect, after which you can reduce the number of sessions per week.

Callanetics was invented and developed by Callan Pinkey (USA) in the middle of the 20th century. She traveled the world many times and observed original techniques in different countries. When Callan developed back and knee pains, she tried certain exercises. After that, the muscles strengthened and the pain in the joints disappeared.

All actions are based on yoga asanas.

Since all movements are performed smoothly and slowly, this type of fitness is not at all traumatic.

• strengthening the muscle corset;
• removal of pain in the joints;
• improving metabolism;
• classes can be carried out at home;
• all muscles of the body work.

• certain physical training is required;
• if you have cardiovascular diseases, bronchial asthma or major problems with the spine, then you need to consult a doctor.

4th place: Bodybuilding

This trend was founded over a century ago by Friedrich Wilhelm Müller. As a child, he was a weak boy who dreamed of strength and beauty. Growing up and realizing that weight-bearing exercise helps transform muscles and shape the body in the right direction, he developed a set of strength training. When combined with specific nutrition and energy recovery skills, significant changes in the outlines of the muscular skeleton can be achieved.

• a large amount of energy is expended, which leads to rapid weight loss;
• a beautiful body is formed;
• muscles and bones are strengthened;
• the work of the gastrointestinal tract improves.

• work out only in a fitness center with a trainer;
• additional expenses are required for special meals.

3rd place: Zumba

Fitness complex of exercises performed to the accompaniment of Latin American melodies. Invented in 2001 by Alberto Perez, who combined traditional fitness classes with dance moves to your favorite music. This program very quickly attracted a huge number of people around the world. Classes are like fitness parties.

There are such varieties:

• "Zumba Gold" - dance exercises designed for the elderly;
• "Zumba Toning" - movements with weight in the form of small dumbbells, similar to maracas;
• Aqua Zumba - a set of activities in the pool;
• "Zumba Kids" - exercises for children from 4 to 11 years old;
• Zumba Sentao - chair program;
• "Zumba Step" - dance moves are performed with a step platform.

• classes bring physical shape back to normal;
• vitality rises;
• mood improves;
• thanks to the many branches, you can choose a program for both children and adults of different periods of life.

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2nd place: Aerobics

This type of fitness includes walking, jumping, running, exercises that develop flexibility. The popularity of aerobics has attracted many people who have created various directions:

• water aerobics - classes are held in water, which increases resistance and requires more stress;
• step aerobics - dance movements with the use of a step platform, which creates a load on the muscles of the lower extremities;
• fitball aerobics - large inflatable balls are used;
• dance aerobics;
• slide aerobics - a special elastic mat is used, which allows you to glide perfectly on its surface;
• sky aerobics - exercise on exercise bikes with varying degrees of intensity and many other areas.

This type of fitness is suitable for absolutely all people.

• weight loss;
• improving the emotional background;
• coordination of movements;
• flexibility and elasticity of all organs;
• cardiostimulation.

• not suitable for closed people who do not want to develop and maintain their health.

1st place: Shaping

Exercises with rhythmic music. The complex was created for middle-aged women who want to keep their body in good shape and improve its shape. The movements are strictly regulated and are developed for the athlete individually, in accordance with the type of her constitution. After each lesson, a comparison is made with the reference of its shaping model.
By doing this type of fitness, you can both increase and decrease the volume of muscle tissue and minimize body fat.

Male shaping programs are also being developed.

• many like-minded people;
• weight reduction;
• an individual program is made specifically for a specific person.

• classes will be most effective only under the supervision of a trainer;
• you must strictly adhere to the plan.

Tips for choosing the form of classes

If you have a question about what type of fitness to do specifically for weight loss, then you can choose bodyflex, Pilates, zumba, aerobics.

Shaping, yoga, stretching, callanetics will help to heal the entire body and improve the emotional state.

Bodybuilding, crossfit, shaping transform the shapes of both individual parts of the body and the entire body. The muscles will become prominent, vitality and energy will increase.

What kind of clothing is suitable for fitness?

In order for the classes to be carried out with pleasure and the greatest comfort, manufacturers of sportswear have developed various lines of women's and men's equipment, as well as specifically for children and adolescents.

Expert recommendations for selection

• Special sneakers should be purchased for the training room. They must be breathable, lightweight, and have a flexible and resilient sole. Shoes must be chosen so that it fits snugly around the instep and ankle.
• For girls, it is advisable to buy special underwear that will support the breast and reduce the load on the spine during intense movements.
• It is preferable to choose not a T-shirt, but a T-shirt so that nothing interferes during the exercises. It also leaves the shoulder joint open, for the correct movement of which must be monitored. The material from which the athlete's clothes are sewn must necessarily remove moisture and allow air to pass through.
• The next tip is about leggings. They are preferable to shorts, because they tightly fit the muscles of the legs, toning them, and carrying out the prevention of varicose veins.
• During training on simulators, as well as with dumbbells and other sports equipment, the skin of the hands becomes coarser. Special fingerless gloves will help to protect it.
• You will also need to purchase a gym bag or backpack to store your fitness supplies. It should have several departments in which it will be easier to find everything you need.

The most popular fitness clothing and accessories

These are the brands:

• ADIDAS (Germany) is one of the most famous brands in the world;
• REEBOK (Germany) - excellent quality and beautiful appearance made the models of this company very popular;
• UNDER ARMOR (USA) - clothing made of fibers with an antibacterial effect, wicks moisture away from the body, so it is always comfortable;
• BONA FIDE (Russia) - excellent design and assistance in body shaping;
• PROFIT (Russia) - high-quality, stylish premium clothing;
• SENZA RIVALI (Russia) - bright, comfortable, original products with an average price and excellent characteristics.

Review of the best online sportswear stores in 2024

HARDFASHION - presents a variety of uniforms for fitness professionals. There are products of the most famous brands that meet all the criteria for choosing equipment. In this store, it is impossible to stumble upon a fake, but you will have to spend a significant amount.

FIT2U - specializes in the products of the Russian company Profit. A wide selection of products will make you think for a long time: which one is better to buy. A domestic manufacturer quite often presents its new products at an affordable price and quality.

ART-SPORT - the catalog contains bright, stylish original models of clothes and shoes with good functionality. There is a sales section with significant discounts. You can also find professional recommendations to help eliminate mistakes when choosing.

SPORTKULT - in this store you can order clothes online for any sport of all famous brands. We have the best customer reviews of the site with clear navigation and ease of use. For regular customers, personal discounts are available.

DECATHLON - a large list of high-rated brands. Clothes and footwear for all kinds of sports for women, men, for schoolchildren and people of the age. There are both well-known brands and inexpensive products of domestic manufacturers. Seasonal sales are in effect. The difference between the store is the page of eco-products that are absolutely safe for humans and nature.

We talked about what types of fitness are and what their features are. It remains to choose the most suitable program and where it is better to buy specialized clothing. Good luck!